Bahati MP Kimani Ngunjiri has joined the ongoing political row pitting Deputy President William Ruto and opposition's National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga, throwing his weight behind the DP.
The two leaders have been trying to outdo each other in an argument that was kicked off by Odinga who, in a public lecture at the King's College in London on Friday, poked holes in the Jubilee government's re-election, reiterating that he was the legitimate winner.
Speaking on Radio Jambo Tuesday evening, Ngunjiri defended Ruto from opposition leaders who have accused him of spearheading negative politicking, terming Odinga as the culprit of the rising political temperatures.
''Ruto hafai kulaumiwa kwa maana yeye yuko katika mstari wa kwanza kuwaeleza wakenya wasahau siasa ili nchi ishughulikie mambo ya maendeleo kwanza. Lakini upande ule mwingine, Raila na watu wake wanaendeleza mambo ya 2022 na kumlaumu naibu wa rais (Ruto is not to blame as he is keen on ensuring that the nation concentrates on development. Its Odinga who is reverting the nation to politicking),'' he said.
He also took issue with the former Prime Minister's push for constitutional reforms, especially expansion of the executive, terming it a tactic to save him from another loss in the 2022 presidential contest.
''Mbona hakutaka referendum alipokua serikalini wakati wa serikali ya muungano? Ni kwa sababu yuko nje na anatamani kijumuishwa na pia anataka apate nafasi atakaposhindwa tena uchaguzi wa 2022 (Why is he suddenly interested in reforms but never pushed for any earlier? Its because he now feels excluded from government and also wants a place to shelter himself after another loss in 2022,'' claimed the lawmaker.